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    • 专利摘要:
    INFLATABLE BAGS. The present invention relates to a supply of inflatable pouches which includes an inflatable web defining a series of inflatable chambers, a longitudinal fold in the web so that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined at the longitudinal fold and a series of cross seals that connect the panels together to form a series of inflatable pockets between pairs of the cross seals.
    公开号:BR112015026237B1
    申请号:R112015026237-6
    申请日:2014-04-18
    公开日:2021-05-18
    发明作者:Jay D. Lepine；Brian A. Murch；Laurence B. Sperry
    申请人:Sealed Air Corporation (Us)；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates generally to inflatable pouches used to pack objects and more particularly to inflatable pouches that are adapted to be converted into a continuous series of inflatable pouches.
    [002] Consumers often purchase goods through mail order or Internet retailers, who package and ship the goods to the consumer who purchased them via the US Postal Service or other vehicle. Millions of these packages are shipped each day.
    [003] Many of these packages include items such as pharmaceuticals, books, medical supplies, electronic devices and the like. These items are typically packaged in small containers, such as a box or envelope. To protect items during shipment, they are typically packaged with some form of protective pad that can be wrapped around the item or stuffed into the container to prevent the item from moving and protect it from shock.
    [004] A common type of packaging envelope is known as a padded mailer. Padded mailers are generally shipping envelopes that have padded walls to protect the contents of the mailer. Quilted mailers typically include a double-walled or single-walled envelope with paper pads or cellular padding material to protect the packaged item. While these padded mailers have been commercially successful, they are not without disadvantages. For example, as trapped or confined air is often the cushioning medium, the space required to store these mailers is not insignificant. Also, in order not to require an unusually large amount of storage space, padded mailers typically are limited to having relatively thin padding.
    [005] One solution to the foregoing disadvantages is to employ inflatable mailers, that is, mailers that have an integral, inflatable padding material that can be inflated just before packing and shipping. While this approach has the potential to solve the problems described above, current inflatable mailers require specialized inflation and sealing equipment, which is slow and difficult to operate and which produces only one inflated mailer at a time.
    [006] Consequently, there remains a need in the art for improvements in inflatable mailers, which overcome the foregoing difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [007] That need is addressed by the present invention, which, in one aspect, provides a system for making inflated bags, which can be used as inflatable mailers, comprising
    [008] a. a supply of inflatable bags, the supply comprising:
    [009] (1) an inflatable web, the web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the open proximal end providing an orifice inflation for each of the chambers, the chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0010] (2) a longitudinal fold in the weft, which extends along its longitudinal dimension so that the weft is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined at the longitudinal fold; and
    [0011] (3) a series of transverse seals that connect the panels together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals such that the connected series of inflatable pouches extend along the longitudinal dimension of the web .
    [0012] b. an inflation assembly for introducing gas into the inflatable chambers via the inflation holes to thereby inflate the juxtaposed inflatable panels of the inflatable pouches to form inflated pouches; and
    [0013] c. a sealing mechanism for sealing the inflation holes to enclose the gas within the chambers of the inflated bags.
    [0014] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making inflated bags, comprising:
    [0015] a. provision of a supply of inflatable bags, the supply comprising:
    [0016] (1) an inflatable web, the web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the open proximal end providing an orifice inflation for each of the chambers, the chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0017] (2) a longitudinal fold in the weft, which extends along its longitudinal dimension, so that the weft is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined at the longitudinal fold; and
    [0018] (3) a series of transverse seals that connect the panels together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals such that the connected series of inflatable pouches extends along the longitudinal dimension of the plot;
    [0019] b. introducing gas into the inflatable chambers via the inflation holes, thus inflating the juxtaposed panels to form inflated bags; and
    [0020] c. sealing the inflation holes to enclose the gas inside the inflated bag chambers
    [0021] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for making inflatable bags, comprising:
    [0022] a. providing an inflatable web, the web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the open proximal end providing an inflation hole for each of the chambers, the chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0023] b. folding the web along its longitudinal dimension to form a longitudinal fold therein to thereby configure the web in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined at the longitudinal fold; and
    [0024] c. producing a series of transverse seals that connect the panels together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches between pairs of transverse seals such that the connected array of inflatable pouches extends along the longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0025] - whereby the bags can be inflated via the inflation holes.
    [0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a supply of inflatable bags, comprising:
    [0027] a. an inflatable web, the web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the open proximal end providing an inflation hole for each of the chambers, the chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0028] b. a longitudinal fold in the web which extends along its longitudinal dimension so that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined at the longitudinal fold; and
    [0029] c. a series of transverse seals connecting the panels together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches between pairs of transverse seals such that the connected series of inflatable pouches extends along the longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0030] - whereby the bags can be inflated via the inflation holes
    [0031] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for making inflatable bags, comprising:
    [0032] a. providing an inflatable web, the web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the open proximal end providing an inflation hole for each of the chambers, the chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the web;
    [0033] b. a fold of the weft along its longitudinal dimension to form a longitudinal fold therein to thereby form the weft in the form of two juxtaposed panels joined at the longitudinal fold;
    [0034] c. introduction of gas into the inflatable chambers via the inflation holes;
    [0035] d. sealing the inflation holes to enclose the gas inside the chambers; and
    [0036] e. production of a series of cross seals that connect the panels together to form a series of inflatable pockets between pairs of the cross seals.
    [0037] These and other aspects and features of the invention may be better understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
    [0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system and method according to the present invention for making inflatable pouches;
    [0039] Figure 2 is a plan view of an inflatable web used to make inflatable pouches in the system shown in Figure 1;
    [0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system and method for making inflatable pouches as used in the system shown in Figure 1, from an inflatable web shown in Figure 2;
    [0041] figure 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3A - 3A in figure 3;
    [0042] Figure 4 is a plan view of the inflation and longitudinal sealing portions of the system shown in Figure 1;
    [0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative system and method for making inflatable pouches according to the present invention;
    [0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another alternative system and method for making inflated pouches according to the present invention;
    [0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another alternative system and method for making inflated bags according to the present invention;
    [0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a packaging application for an inflated pouch made by the system and method illustrated in Figure 1;
    [0047] figures 9 - 10 are cross-sectional views, in elevation, of the package made according to figure 8; and
    [0048] Figures 11A-C are perspective views of packaging applications for an inflated bag made by the system and method illustrated in Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0049] Referring to figures 1 to 3, a system 10 for making inflated bags 12 will be described. Inflatable pouches 12 can be employed as inflatable mailers or in other packaging applications. System 10 includes a supply 14 of inflatable pouches 16. As perhaps best shown in Figure 2, supply 14 includes an inflatable web 18 comprising two sheets 20a,b having respective inner surfaces 22a,b sealed together in a seal pattern 24, defining a series of inflatable chambers 26, having a closed distal end 28a and an open proximal end 28b, with the open proximal ends 28b providing an inflation hole 30 for each of the inflatable chambers 26. The inflatable chambers 26 , in general, are arranged in a substantially transverse orientation with respect to a longitudinal dimension 32 of the inflatable weft 18. The longitudinal dimension 32 of the weft 18 is the longest dimension of the weft (i.e., the lengthwise dimension) and, in general, it is parallel to the direction 34 in which the supply 14 of the inflatable bags 16 travels through the system 10 (Figure 1).
    [0050] The supply 14 further includes a longitudinal fold 36 in the weft 18, which extends along its longitudinal dimension 32 (figures 1, 3 and 3A). In this way, the web 18 is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels 38a, b joined at the longitudinal fold 36.
    [0051] The supply 14 also includes a series of transverse seals 40, which connect the juxtaposed panels 38a, b to one another to form a connected series 42 of the inflatable pouches 16 between pairs 40a, b of the transverse seals. Each of the pockets 16 thereby has side edges that are defined by a pair of transverse seals 40a,b, front and back walls that are provided by juxtaposed inflatable panels 38a,b, a bottom as provided by longitudinal fold 36, and a open top provided by opposite longitudinal edges 57 and 59 of the inflatable weft 18, as described in more detail below.
    [0052] As shown in Figure 3, the transverse seals 40 can be applied to the longitudinally folded weft 18 by a transverse seal mechanism 44, which can create pairs of transverse seals 40a, b simultaneously, as shown. Thereby, the connected series 42 of the inflatable pouches 16 extends along the longitudinal dimension 32 of the inflatable web 18.
    [0053] Referring to figures 1 and 4, it can be seen that the system 10 further includes an inflation assembly 46 to introduce gas 48 into the inflatable chambers 26, via inflation holes 30, to thereby inflate the juxtaposed inflatable panels 38a , b of the inflatable chambers to form inflatable pouches 12 (note that, in figure 4, the 'upper' inflatable panel 38a has been omitted for clarity, with only its closed longitudinal edge 59 shown in shaded form). A sealing mechanism 50 is also included for sealing the inflation holes 30, e.g. with a heat seal, so as to enclose the gas 48 within the chambers 26 of the inflated bags 12. A fully finished inflated bag, i.e., with chambers 26 inflated and sealed closed via heat seal 52 is indicated at 12 in figure 1.
    [0054] The inflatable chambers 26 in the web 18 may have any desired configuration, for example a linear tube configuration as shown in figure 10. Alternatively, the inflatable chambers 26 may, as shown in figures 1 - 4, have a variable shape, for example, in which each of the chambers 26 has a predetermined length "L" (figure 2) and at least one change in width across its length. Thus, for example, as shown perhaps most clearly in Figure 2, the seal pattern 24 may be such that each chamber 26 contains a series of sections 54 of relatively large width connected by relatively narrow passages 56. When inflated, the sections 54 they can provide substantially spherical bubbles in the web 18 by symmetrical outward movement of those sheet sections 20a, b comprising the section walls 54. In general this will occur when sheets 20a, b are identical in thickness, flexibility and elasticity. Sheets 20a,b can be configured so that inflation will result in different displacement of sheets 20a,b, thus providing, for example, hemispherical or asymmetrical bubbles. The former embodiment can be realized by providing sheets 20a, b of single film web which is folded back onto itself in a juxtaposed relationship, for example folded in the center, before having sealing pattern 24 applied thereto, while the latter embodiment may be achieved by providing sheets 20a, b from two separate film webs which are joined in juxtaposed relationship prior to applying seal pattern 24 thereto.
    [0055] The length L may be substantially the same for each of the chambers 26, with adjacent chambers being offset from one another as shown in order to arrange the chambers in proximity to one another. As also shown, the length L of each chamber 26 is generally oriented transversely to the longitudinal dimension 32 of the web 18.
    [0056] With continued reference to Figure 2, it can be seen that the inflatable web 18 may include a longitudinal inflation edge 57 and an opposite, closed longitudinal edge 59. The inflation holes 30 for each of the inflatable chambers 26 are positioned at series along the inflation edge 57, while the distal ends 28a of the chambers are positioned in series along the closed edge 59.
    [0057] The inflatable web 18 may further include a pair of longitudinal flanges 58, which are formed by a portion of each of the sheets 20a, b that extend beyond the inflation holes 30 and the seal pattern 24 (which is intermittent , longitudinally, in the inflation holes to define the same) so as to define the inflation edge 57. The flanges 58 are not sealed together and thus form an open inflation zone in the web 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the flanges 58 extend outward equally, beyond the inflation holes 30 and seals 24. In many embodiments, inflation will be effected by bringing the inner surfaces of the flanges 58 into close sliding contact with the outward facing surfaces. an appropriately configured nozzle or other inflation means so as to provide a partially closed inflation zone which provides sequential inflation of chambers 26 without restricting the movement of the web or inflation nozzle, thus allowing this sequential inflation to occur. The flanges 58 can be of different widths, but will generally be the same in width as shown in figure 2.
    [0058] Sheets 20a,b can generally comprise any flexible material that can be manipulated and sealed to enclose gas 48 in chambers 26 as described herein, including various thermoplastic materials, e.g. polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer, polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polyethylene homopolymers such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene copolymers such as, for example, ionomers, EVA, EMA, copolymers ethylene / alpha-olefin heterogeneous (Ziegler-Natta catalyzed) and ethylene / alpha-olefin homogeneous copolymers (metallocene, single cite catalyzed). Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C3-C20 alpha-olefins, such as 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, methylpentene and the like, in which polymer molecules comprise long chains with relatively few side chain branches, including linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), and very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) and ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE) . Various other materials are also suitable, such as, for example, polypropylene homopolymer or polypropylene copolymer (e.g. propylene/ethylene copolymer), polyesters, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, etc. The film may be monolayer or multilayer and may be made by any known process of melt co-extrusion of the polymer(s) component(s) and extrusion or co-extrusion thereof through one or more flat or annular dies.
    [0059] Further details regarding the inflatable fabric 18 and the manner of making the same are disclosed in US Patents Nos. 7,220,476, 7,721,781, 6,800,162, 6,982,113, 7,223,461, and 7,018,495, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.
    [0060] The longitudinal fold 36 can be made at any desired location along the width "W" of the inflatable web 18 (figure 2), the effect of which is to bring the longitudinal edges 57, 59 closer together in the folded configuration (figure 3A) than in the flat/unfolded configuration (figure 2). Another effect of the longitudinal fold 36, together with the transverse seals 40a, b, is to convert the inflatable web 18 into a series of inflatable pouches 16, each pouch 16 having an open top 60, as formed by the adjacently positioned longitudinal edges and ( at least initially) unsealed 57, 59 (figure 3A). The open top 60 allows objects to be packed to be placed inside the pouches (figures 8 to 11) or, alternatively, allows the pouches to be placed through a portion of an object to be packed (figure 12).
    [0061] The longitudinal fold 36 can be made at any desired location across the width "W" of the inflatable web 18 (figure 2), i.e. the width of the web 18 as defined between the longitudinal inflating and closed edges 57 , 59. For example, the longitudinal edge could be made at location F1, which is at the center of the width W of weft 18. In this case, weft 18 will be 'folded at the center' so that the longitudinal inflation edge 57 is extends from the longitudinal fold 36 by substantially the same distance as the closed longitudinal edge 59. The juxtaposed inflatable panels 38a,b will thus have essentially the same dimensions, and therefore will be completely juxtaposed, with the longitudinal edges 57,59 being aligned in coextensive opposition to the longitudinal edge 36.
    [0062] Alternatively, the longitudinal edge 36 on the inflatable web 18 may be off-center relative to the width W of the web 18, for example made at location F2, which is to the right of the central location F1, so that the edge of inflation 57 is displaced from closed edge 59 (figures 1, 3 and 3A) in the supply 14 of inflatable pouches 16. As perhaps best seen in figure 3A, in this embodiment, inflation edge 57 extends from longitudinal fold 36 for a greater distance "ΔD" than closed edge 59, with this greater distance ΔD providing an extended region 61, which corresponds to the offset between inflation edge 57 and closed edge 59. Alternatively, location F2 could be made to the left of the center location F1 (figure 2), so that the closed edge 59 extends from the longitudinal fold 36 by a greater distance "ΔD" than the inflation edge 57.
    [0063] An advantage of the 'offset' configuration for the web 18 (figure 3A) is that it allows the resulting supply 14 of the inflatable bags 16 to be inflated and sealed in conventional inflation and sealing machines. No specialized inflation and sealing equipment is required. For example, like many conventional inflation and sealing systems, the system 10 includes a transport mechanism 62 to transport the supply 14 of inflatable pouches 16 through the system by fitting the extended region 61 to the longitudinal inflation edge 57. The inflation assembly 46 and sealing mechanism 50 similarly engage extended region 61 with inflation edge 57 to effect inflation and sealing, respectively, of inflatable pouches 16. Conventional inflation and sealing machines generally operate via edge engagement inflatable weft inflation because it allows a variety of weft widths to be employed on the same machine, without the need for adjustment, as only the distance W, between the inflating edge and the closed unsealed edge is affected.
    [0064] According to the 'displaced' modality of the present invention, even though the weft has been folded longitudinally to form pockets, the extended region 61 allows inflation edge engagement 57 only, i.e., the exclusion of the closed edge 59 (See, for example, figures 1 and 4), so that the closed edge 59 does not interfere with transport, inflation and sealing. Advantageously, this allows for continuous transport, inflation and sealing, i.e., as opposed to intermittent transport, inflation and sealing, in a conventional machine, such as, for example, NewAirI.B® Express Packaging System, which is sold commercially by Sealed Air Corporation. Continuous transport, inflation and sealing, in general, are faster and more productive/cost-effective than intermittent transport, inflation and sealing and the ability to employ conventional 'continuous transport' machines without the need of specialized modifications or machines, increases the cost-effectiveness of the 'displaced' modality of the present invention.
    [0065] As a result, the transport mechanism 62, in general, carries out the transport of supply 14 of inflatable bags 16 in the direction 34, as shown, which is parallel to the longitudinal dimension 32 of the web 18. This transport, preferably, it is carried out in a substantially continuous, eg non-intermittent, manner. When the system 10 is operated in this manner, the inflation assembly 46 introduces gas into the inflatable chambers 26 substantially continuously and sequentially via the inflation ports 30. This gas 48 sequentially travels through the length L of each inflatable chamber 26 , circulating first in the portion of each chamber disposed in the inflatable panel 38b, then passing through the longitudinal fold 36 to circulate in the portion of each chamber 26 disposed in the inflatable panel 38a (Figure 3A). Both juxtaposed panels 38a, b can thus be inflated in the same operation, i.e., in a continuous and sequential manner, as the supply 14 is continuously transported longitudinally through the system 10 by the transport mechanism 62. sealing mechanism 50 preferably also seals the inflation holes 30 substantially, continuously and sequentially.
    [0066] In the illustrated embodiment for system 10, as shown in figures 1 and 4, the inflation assembly 46, the sealing mechanism 50 and the transport mechanism 62 are integrated in an inflation and sealing machine 64, the which, as noted above, may be embodied by NewAirI.B® Express Packaging System, sold commercially by Sealed Air Corporation, which is described in US Publication Nos. 2010-0251665 and 2010-0251668, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in greater detail in preceding publications, the inflation assembly 46 may include an inflation nozzle 66, which is adapted for insertion between the flanges 58 of the web 18, in order to direct gas 48 to the inflatable chambers 36 via the holes 30. The sealing mechanism 50 may include a sealing element 68, e.g., an electrically resistive element such as a wire or the like, disposed on a rotary sealing roller 70, with a support roller 72 (Fig. 1) in compressive contact with the sealing roller 70 so that the web 18 can be compressed between them in order to bring the sealing element 68 into firm contact with the web to produce the longitudinal seal 52, that is, of preferably, a thermal seal, through the inflation holes 30.
    [0067] The transport mechanism 62 may include a pair of counter-rotating drive rollers, for example, the driven roller 74 rotating against the support roller 72. The driven roller 74 can be coaxial with the sealing roller 70, with both rotating against the common backing roller 72 as shown. The transport mechanism 62 may further include a pair of counter-rotating drive belts 76 (only one shown in Figure 4), which may be positioned to engage flanges 58 off the inflation nozzle 66, to aid transport of the web 18 and into the inflating the chambers 26 by driving the web through the machine 64 and preventing gas from leaking out of the web via the open longitudinal edge 57, i.e. so that more of the gas is forced to flow from the nozzle 66 and into the chambers 26 As an alternative to drive belts 76, a plurality of mating rollers, eg interacting gears, may be employed, for example, as described and illustrated in the above-referenced US Publication No. 2010-0251668 (see also figure 5 , discussed below). As another alternative, rather than nesting and transporting the weft in the extended region 61, nesting and transport may take place at another point in the weft, for example, between the open longitudinal edge 57 and the longitudinal fold 36.
    [0068] The supply 14 of inflatable bags 16 may also be inflated and sealed in other conventional inflation and sealing machines, such as those described in US Patent Nos. 7,220,476, 7,429,304, and 7,165,375, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
    [0069] In system 10, as illustrated in Figure 1, the supply 14 of inflatable pouches 16 is provided in the form of a roller 77 and is disposed on spool 78 on machine 64 for rotational distribution of supply 14 on machine 64. Other configurations are also possible, for example, the supply 14 can be fan-folded or spiraled vertically and dispensed in the machine from a box, such as a cardboard box.
    [0070] Figure 3 illustrates a process 79 for making inflatable pouches 16, in which the web 18 was previously folded along its longitudinal dimension 32, at location F2 (figure 2) to form the longitudinal fold 36 therein, thus configuring the web in the form of juxtaposed inflatable panels 38a,b, which are joined at the longitudinal fold 36. The resulting folded web 18' can then be formed into an intermediate roll 80 for further processing, which includes the production of a series of seals For that purpose, the folded web 18' can be removed from the idler roller 80 and directed to the transverse sealing station 82, which includes the transverse sealing mechanism 44 and support member 84. The transverse sealing station 82 may be accomplished by a rotary sealing device, for example, such as that disclosed in US Patent No. 7,389,626, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The cross-sealing mechanism 44 can thus include a pair of cross-sealing elements 86a,b, which produce the pair 40a,b of cross-seals 40 each time the sealing elements 86a,b are brought into contact with the web. bent 18', for example, with each rotation of the swivel-type sealing mechanism 44, as shown, in order to form the inflatable pouches 16 between these transverse seals.
    [0071] As described in the above incorporated '626 patent, the transverse seals 40 can be made at regular intervals as the folded web 18' is driven through the transverse seal station 82, in which case, the spacing between the transverse seals it will be essentially the same, thus producing inflatable pouches 16 of the same width (distance between the transverse seals 40a, b of each bladder 16, which form its sides) on the support roller 77. Alternatively, the transverse seals 40 can be made in irregular intervals in the folded web 18', for example, by varying the transport rate of the web 18' through the transverse sealing station 82 and/or varying the rate of transverse sealing formation by the sealing mechanism 44, in which case the pockets resulting inflatables 15 will have different width dimensions on the supply roller 77. As another alternative, the frequency at which the transverse seal mechanism 44 makes transverse seals This can be independent of the speed at which the web 18' is transported through the sealing station 82 and can be selectively controlled so that the width dimension of the pouches 16 can be varied in real time, for example based on time. real, as disclosed in US Patent No. 8,356,463, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The frequency at which the transverse seals are made can be based, for example, on passing a predetermined length of the weft along the longitudinal dimension 32, passing a predetermined number of inflatable chambers 26, etc.
    [0072] After the formation of the transverse seals 40, the resulting supply 14 of inflatable pouches can be formed on the supply roller 77, as shown, for example, for subsequent placement on the spool 78 on the machine 64 in order to inflate and seal the bags in the system 10, as illustrated in figure 1. Thus, although the operation illustrated in figure 3 can be performed in one location, for example, a production plant, the operation illustrated in figure 1 can be performed in another location, by example, in a packaging depot, with supply rolls 77 being shipped in the packaging depot, where they can be stored until needed for use in system 10 to produce completed inflatable pouches 12'. In this modality, the inflatable pouches 16, as contained in the supply roll 77, are pre-configured, in that only the final inflation and sealing steps are carried out in system 10.
    [0073] In other embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal fold 36, the transverse seals 40 and/or inflatable chambers 26 can be produced, for example, as a part of the inflation and sealing system / process that results in inflated pouches 12/ 12'. For example, process 79, as shown in Figure 3, may further include the steps of introducing gas to the inflatable chambers 26 through inflation holes 30, thereby inflating the juxtaposed panels 38a,b to form pockets. inflated bags 12, and veil the inflation holes 30 to enclose the gas within the chambers 26, and thus complete the conversion of inflatable bags 16 to inflated bags 12'. This can be achieved, for example, by combining process 79 (figure 3), with system / process 10 (figure 1), with the latter following the former and with, for example, the supply 14 of inflatable bags 16 being fed directly on the inflation assembly 46 and on the sealing mechanism 50, that is, instead of the former being formed on a supply roller 77.
    [0074] Similarly, but alternatively, a system and process 10' are shown in Figure 5, in which two sheets 88a, b, in the form of longitudinal continuous webs, are converging in a juxtaposed relationship and fed to a rotating mechanism seals 90. Sheets 88a,b may be supplied from two distinct sources, e.g., rollers, as shown, heard from a single source, e.g., a center-folded weft with two sheets joined by the c-fold. The sealing mechanism 90 includes a sealing roller 89 and a support roller 91, and sealing pattern 24', which results in a series of inflatable chambers 26'. The seal pattern 24' is an alternative to the seal pattern 24, wherein the first provides substantially linear, tube-shaped inflatable chambers 26' while the second provides assorted, connected, inflatable chambers 26 in the form of bubbles. As will be described in detail below, seal pattern 24’ also provides inflatable pouches that are capable of being self-contained, ie inflated and sealed.
    [0075] After the seal pattern 24' has been formed, the resulting inflatable web 18", which has a closed edge 59' and an inflation edge 57', is folded longitudinally through fold bars 92 to form longitudinal fold 36 ' and then transversely sealed in transverse sealing station 82' to form a series of inflatable pouches 16'. This supply of inflatable pouches 16' is then inflated through inflation assembly 46, followed by sealing which closed the inflated chambers 26' via the sealing mechanism 50, which forms longitudinal seal 52, to form inflated pouches 12''. The transport mechanism 62' is similar to the mechanism 62, except that a series of coupling rollers, for example , interacting gears, are employed in the transport mechanism 62', for example, as described and illustrated in US Publication No. 2010-0251668, referenced above, in place of the drive belts 76 used in the transport mechanism 62.
    [0076] Accordingly, it can now be appreciated that "provisioning" of an inflatable web or a supply of inflatable pouches in accordance with the systems and methods of the present invention may vary from
    [0077] (a) starting from a pre-configured inflatable web or pre-configured supply of inflatable pouches
    [0078] (b) starting from two separate sheets, which are formed into an inflatable web, folded longitudinally, transversely sealed to form a series of inflatable pouches, inflated, then longitudinally sealed and closed to form inflated pouches.
    [0079] Other methods for making inflated pouches in accordance with the present invention are also possible. For example, figures 6 and 7 describe alternative methods 95 and 97, respectively, for making inflated pouches, each comprising the steps of:
    [0080] a. providing an inflatable web, such as inflatable web 18 (figure 2) or 18'' (figure 5);
    [0081] b. folding the web along its longitudinal dimension 32 to form a longitudinal fold 36 therein to form the web in the form of two juxtaposed panels 38a, b joined at longitudinal fold 36;
    [0082] c. introducing gas into the inflatable chambers 26 in the web through the inflation holes 30;
    [0083] d. sealing the inflation holes 30 to enclose the gas within the chambers 26; and
    [0084] e. producing a series of transverse seals 40' which connect the panels 38a, b together to form a series 96 of inflated pockets 12''' between pairs 40a', b' of the transverse seals 40'.
    [0085] The step of providing the inflatable web (step a) can be performed by providing a pre-configured inflatable web, for example, such as a web 18, as illustrated and described with respect to figure 2, or the provision of two separate webs or a single web, folded with juxtaposed sheets, which are sealed together in the form of an inflatable pattern, for example, as illustrated and described with respect to figure 5. Both methods 95 and 97, as shown in the respective figures 6 and 7, they employ pre-configured weft 18.
    [0086] The weft folding step (step b) can be performed by pre-folding the weft and storing it, for example, as an 18' weft in supply roll 80 (figure 3), for subsequent use in the part remainder of the process as illustrated in Method 95 (figure 6). Alternatively, web 18 can be folded as a continuous step in the process, as illustrated in Method 97 (figure 7). Therefore, although method 95 is a batch process, whereas method 97 is a continuous process, both methods produce the same result: the production of a 96 series of inflated bags 12'''.
    [0087] Both steps of introducing gas into the inflatable chambers 26 and sealing the inflation holes 30 (steps c and d) can be performed with the machine 64, as described above, or with any other of the inflation and sealing machines described . Thus, following inflation of the chambers 26 with gas 48, the sealing mechanism 50 forms longitudinal thermal seal 52 to close the inflation holes 30, and thus completes the inflation and longitudinal sealing process of the web 18' in the method. 95 (figure 6) and frame 18 in method 97 (figure 7).
    [0088] Note that the weft folding step (step b) can occur before the steps of inflating the inflatable chambers and sealing the inflation holes (Steps C and D), for example, as in method 95 (figure 6). Alternatively, the weft folding step (step b) can occur after the steps of inflating the inflatable chambers and sealing the inflation holes (Steps C and D), for example, as in method 97 (figure 7), in which weft 18 is first inflated and sealed by machine 64, then the inflated and sealed weft is folded longitudinally.
    [0089] Step e - production of a series of cross seals 40' that connect panels 38a, b to one another to form a series of inflated pockets 12''' between pairs 40a' and 40b' of cross seals - can be performed by an alternative transverse sealing mechanism 44' at the alternative transverse sealing station 82'. Unlike the rotary type transverse sealing mechanism 44, the reciprocating sealing mechanism 44' forms transverse seals 40' by means of linear translation of the sealing bar 98 against the stationary support bar 100, with the linear translation of the sealing bar 98 being provided by actuator 102, which may be embodied by a pneumatic, electric or hydraulic piston-cylinder-rod device as shown. Alternate transverse sealing station 82' may further include a pair of drive rollers 103a,b for transporting juxtaposed panels 38a,b through the sealing station.
    [0090] Transverse sealing mechanism 44' forms transverse seals 40' on inflated panels, juxtaposed 38a, b transversely to direction 34', where the panels are transported through sealing station 82'. The transverse sealing mechanism 44' may be a double seal type transverse sealing mechanism, which may include, for example, in the sealing bar 98, a pair of transverse sealing elements, for example, bands, wires, or other types of electrically resistive elements (not shown). In this configuration, when the sealing bar 98 is moved by an actuator 102 in the direction of the arrow 104 towards the support bar 100, a transverse segment of the juxtaposed inflated panels 38a, b is compressed between the bars 98, 100, such that the sealing elements in the sealing bar 98 are urged against the panels. When energized, for example, causing electricity to circulate through the sealing elements, this squeezing action causes one of the sealing elements to produce a 40b trailing edge transverse seal 40b for the already completed 12'' pouch (shown as exiting of the transverse sealing station 82'), and the other sealing member produces a transverse leading edge seal 40a' in the next pocket to be completed (the leading edge of which is shown inside the transverse sealing station 82'). Further details on double seal type transverse sealing mechanisms are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,942,076, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As an alternative, a "single seal" mechanism can be used, that is, where the sealing bar 98 includes a single sealing element, such that only one transverse seal 40' is made during each actuation of the sealing bar. seal.
    [0091] As described above in connection with the transverse sealing mechanism 44, the frequency at which the transverse sealing mechanism 44' makes transverse seals can be controlled independently, i.e. independent of the speed at which the Weft 18 / panels 38a,b are transported through the sealing station 82' and selectively controlled, such that the width dimension of the completed pockets 12''' can be varied on a real-time, eg on-the basis -fly.
    [0092] Methods 95 and 97 may further include the step of separating the inflated pouches 12''' from the folded and inflated web 18 (which is in the form of juxtaposed inflated panels 38a,b). This can be done on an individual basis, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, i.e., with each completed pocket 12''' individually and sequentially separated from the weft to produce a series of 96 individual pockets, eg for pickup / accumulation on a surface or container 106. To this end, the transverse sealing mechanism 44' may be structured and arranged to cut and seal the web 18 / panels 38a,b. The cross-sealing mechanism 44' may thus further include a cross-cutting element (not shown), which can be positioned on the sealing bar 98, for example, between the sealing elements (when the sealing bar 98 is configured as a "double sealing bar" as described above) for transversely cutting the web/panels between the transverse seals formed by the transverse sealing elements. Such a cross-sectional element may be an electrically resistive element, which cuts the web 18 / panels 38a, b by heating to a temperature sufficient to melt through the web, for example, as described in US Pat. 5,376,219 and 6,003,288, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.
    [0093] Alternatively, the cutting element in the sealing bar 98 may be a cutting blade or the like, to effect the mechanical disruption of the web 18 / panels 38a, b. As a further alternative, a single sealing/cutting element can be employed in the sealing bar 98, which seals and cuts both the web/panels, for example, as described in the '219 patents and the 288 patents. As described in more detail below, another alternative is to form transverse lines of weakening, i.e. lines of perforation rather than full cuts, which would allow the completed pockets 12''' to be subsequently separated from the weft/panels individually, in pairs or in groups, manually, for example, with a device that facilitates manual separation, such as that disclosed in Publication US 2012-0072016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or by means of an automatic device ' perf ripping'. As yet another alternative, a tear-off mechanism can be provided that can be operated independently of the transverse sealing mechanism, so that the 12'" completed pockets can be separated from the web/panels in pairs or in groups of 3 or further, as disclosed, for example, in the above incorporated US patent No. 8,356,463.
    [0094] As noted above, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, transverse lines of weakness may be formed between one or more complete inflated pockets to allow them to be separated at a desired time and into desired groupings, i.e., individually, in pairs or in groups. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the supply 14 of inflatable pouches 16 may include at least one line of weakness 108 between at least one pair of transverse seals 40ab. As illustrated, lines of weakness 108 are positioned between each pair of transverse seals 40a,b. This can be achieved in accordance with the above incorporated US Patent No. 7,389,626, including a perforation blade 110 in the transverse sealing mechanism 44, positioned between the sealing cross members 86a,b, such that a line of weakness 108 is formed each time a pair of transverse seals 40a, b is formed, and is disposed between them, as shown. Alternatively, an independently controllable and actuable piercing mechanism could be used, as described in the above incorporated US Patent No. 8356463, so that the lines of weakness 108 can be placed in any desired location, for example, among all others. pairs of cross seals 40a, b, between every third pair, etc. Another example of an independent piercing mechanism is shown in Fig. 5, in which the rotary piercing mechanism 112 is illustrated. As shown, the rotary piercing mechanism 112 is independent of the transverse sealing mechanism 44, that is, it is both physically and operationally separate thereto.
    [0095] A perforation blade, such as blade 110, can be employed in processes 95 and/or 97 (figures 6 and 7), for example, in sealing bar 98 of the transverse sealing mechanism 44', and could It can similarly be fixed in place to make a line of weakening during each actuation of the seal bar, or it can be independently controllable and actuated in accordance with the '463 patent.
    [0096] If desired, the connected series of inflated bags 12' (from system 10 -. figure 1) or 12'' (from system 10' -. figure 5) can be sent to, and accumulated in, winding/storage device such as that described in publication No. US 2012-0273602, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, inflated pouches, including 12''' pouches, may be directed individually, in pairs or in groups of three or more to an accumulation container.
    [0097] After the inflated pouches, for example 12', 12'', or 12''', are produced in accordance with the present invention, the additional step of making a package of one or more of the inflated pouches can be performed, which will generally comprise at least one of (a) placing an object to be packed into one or more of the inflated pouches and/or (b) placing one or more of the inflated pouches over a portion of an object to be packed. Examples of the early packing method are illustrated in Fig. 811, while an example of the early packing method is illustrated in Fig. 12.
    [0098] Figures 8-10 show a completed inflated bag 12' as produced by the process / system 10 (figure 1), to be used to pack an object 114, placing the object with the inflated bag 12', in which the bag it's in the form of an already inflated inflatable mailer. Thus, as shown in Figure 8, the object 114 to be packaged, for example a laptop computer or the like, can be moved in the direction of the arrow 116, through the open top 60, and into the interior 118 of the pouch 12' , to assume the closed position shown in Fig. 9. The extended region 61 can then be folded over the open top 60, as shown in Fig. 9, i.e. moved in the direction of the arrow 120, to place the object 114 inside 118 of the bag 12'. The extended region 61 can then be secured to the 'front' 38a of the panel, for example, by means of adhesive tape, glue, or the like (not shown), to seal object 114 within the pocket 12'. The resulting final packet 122 is shown in Figure 10 and is ready to be sent to the intended destination for object 114.
    [0099] The alternative inflated bag 12", as made by the system / process 10' illustrated in figure 5, is shown in figures 11A-11C. Like the inflated bag 12', the inflated bag 12'' is in the form of an inflated mailer, and likewise includes juxtaposed panels 38a' and 38b' joined at longitudinal fold 36', the sides formed by transverse seals 40a,b, an open top 60' and an extended section 61'. 'to be packaged can be moved in the direction of arrow 116', through the top opening 60', and into the interior 118' of the pouch 12''. Extended region 61' can then be folded over the open top 60' as shown , moving it in the direction of arrow 120', to thereby place the object 114' within the interior 118' of the pouch 12''. The extended region 61' can then be attached to the front of the panel 38a' as shown in Figure 11C, to seal the object 114' within the pouch 12''. The resulting final package 122' (Figure 11C) is ready for shipment to the pre destination. tended to object 114'.
    [00100] In this embodiment, the inflatable chambers 26' in the pockets 12'' are substantially linear, eg tube-shaped versus the chambers 26 in the pockets 12', which are non-linear, eg in the form of connected bubbles. Furthermore, the sealing pattern 24' in the inflatable web 18'' is configured in such a way that the resulting inflatable pouches 16' (figure 5) are able to be independent, i.e. once they are inflated and sealed they become 12'' inflated pouches (figures 11A-11C). This can be achieved, for example, as shown, in which the seal pattern 24' includes land areas 124a positioned close, for example, on both sides, of the longitudinal fold 36' to produce a relatively flat bottom 126 in the pocket. resulting inflated 12''. As is perhaps most clearly shown in Figure 11C, the background 126 allows the inflated bag 12'' to assume an independent, vertical position.
    [00101] Figures 11A-C show another optional feature of the invention, wherein the inflated pouch 12'' includes an outer surface 128 adapted to receive a label 130 thereon. Such outer surface 128 may be an area of planarity and/or sufficiently free from surface irregularities, i.e., smooth enough to allow a label 130, e.g., a shipping label, to be affixed, e.g., adhesively affixed, to such surface 128. Examples include a flat outer panel affixed to one or both inflatable panels 38a,b; an outer bag in which inflatable pouches 16 or 16" are contained; or, as illustrated, in a relatively flat area on panel 38a' as created by sealing pattern 24', for example, as defined by a plurality of land areas 124b, between which the relatively smooth outer surface 128 is thus formed.
    [00102] Figure 11B illustrates another optional feature of the invention, in which an adhesive strip 132 is included, for example, in the widened region 61' in order to facilitate securing the extended region 61' to the front panel 38a' as shown in Figure 11C, to thereby complete package 122'. A removable cover strip 134, for example a release liner, may be included through the adhesive tape 132 to provide a protection thereof until it is desired to adhere the extended region 61' to the panel 38a', at which time the strip cover 134 can be removed from adhesive strip 132 as shown. The folding of the extended region 61', which will be inflated in many ways in order to secure it to the front panel, can be facilitated by including a series of land areas 124c (figure 11B) in panel 38b', for example, in a linear pattern, as shown, to define a fold line, which can be positioned on the exit line from which the extended region 61' begins.
    [00103] In the foregoing modalities, the inflated bags 12' and 12'' are of sufficient size so that the object to be packaged 114, 114' can be fully enclosed within these bags. In an alternative embodiment, the pouches can be sized such that they fit over only a part of the object to be packaged, for example an end portion of the object such that the pouch could be in the form of a 'lid'. of end.' In this case, the associated packaging method includes placing one or more of the inflated pouches over a portion of an object to be packaged. This type of packaging arrangement is illustrated in Figure 12, where a pair of pouches 12' have been placed along two ends 136a, b of an object to be packaged 138, e.g., a satellite TV receiver, such as So that it can be said that the two pockets 12' arranged in this way form a pair of end caps. The resulting combination is therefore ready for placement in the shipping box 140, where the pockets/end caps 12' will provide cushioning protection for the object 138 within the shipping box 140 during transit.
    [00104] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    1. System for making inflated bags characterized by the fact that it comprises: a. a supply of inflatable pouches, said supply comprising: (1) an inflatable web (18), said web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers (26, 26') each having a closed distal end (28a) and an open proximal end (28b), said open proximal end (28b) providing an inflation hole (30) for each of said chambers, said chambers disposed in a substantially orientation. transverse to a longitudinal dimension of said web, wherein: said inflatable web (18) includes a longitudinal inflation edge (57) and an opposite closed longitudinal edge (59); said inflation holes of said chambers are positioned in series along the inflation edge (57); and said closed distal ends of said chambers are positioned in series along the closed edge (59); (2) a longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said web, which extends along its longitudinal dimension so that said web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) joined at the longitudinal fold (36 , 36'), wherein said longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said inflatable web (18) is offset so that the inflation edge (57) is displaced from said closed edge (59) in said supply inflatable bags; and (3) a series of transverse seals (40) connecting the panels (38a) together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches (16) between pairs of transverse seals (40) such that said connected series of pouches inflatables (16) extend along the longitudinal dimension of said web; B. an inflation assembly (46) for introducing gas into said inflatable chambers (26, 26') via said inflation holes to thereby inflate the juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) of the inflatable bladders (16) to form inflated bladders ; and c. a sealing mechanism (50) for sealing said inflation holes in order to enclose the gas within the chambers of said inflated bags.
    [0002]
    2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that: a. said inflation edge (57) and said closed edge (59) extend from the longitudinal fold (36, 36'); B. said inflation edge (57) extends from said longitudinal fold (36, 36') for a greater distance than said closed edge (59); and c. the greater distance corresponds to said displacement between said inflation edge (57) and said closed edge (59).
    [0003]
    3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that it further includes a transport mechanism to transport said supply of inflatable bags through the system, wherein the transport mechanism engages the inflation edge (57) to carry out the transport.
    [0004]
    4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the transport mechanism carries out the transport of the supply of inflatable bags in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the weft.
    [0005]
    5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the transport system is configured to carry out the transport in a substantially continuous way.
    [0006]
    6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the inflation assembly (46) is configured to introduce gas into the inflatable chambers (26, 26'), substantially, continuously and sequentially via the inflation holes.
    [0007]
    7. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing mechanism (50) is configured to seal the inflation holes substantially, continuously and sequentially.
    [0008]
    8. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the inflatable web (18) includes a pair of longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of the sheets that extend beyond the inflation holes to define the edge of inflation (57).
    [0009]
    9. System according to claim 1, characterized in that: a. each of said inflatable chambers (26, 26') has a predetermined length; and b. each of said chambers has at least one change in width across its length.
    [0010]
    10. Method for making inflated bags (16) characterized by the fact that it comprises: a. providing a supply of inflatable pouches, said supply comprising: (1) an inflatable web (18), said web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers (26, 26' ) having a closed distal end (28a) and an open proximal end (28b), said open proximal end (28b) providing an inflation hole (30) for each of said chambers, said chambers disposed in a substantially transverse orientation a longitudinal dimension of said web, wherein: said inflatable web (18) includes a longitudinal inflation edge (57) and an opposite closed longitudinal edge (59); said inflation holes of said chambers are positioned in series along said inflation edge (57); and said distal ends of said chambers are positioned in series along said closed edge (59); (2) a longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said web, which extends along its longitudinal dimension so that said web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) joined in said longitudinal fold ( 36, 36'), wherein said longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said inflatable web (18) is offset so that said inflating edge (57) is displaced from the closed edge (59) in said supply of inflatable bags; and (3) a series of transverse seals (40) connecting said panels (38a) to each other to form a connected series of inflatable pouches (16) between pairs of transverse seals (40) such that the connected series of pouches inflatables (16) extend along the longitudinal dimension of said web; B. introducing gas into said inflatable chambers (26, 26') via said inflation holes to thereby inflate the juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) to form inflated pouches; and c. sealing the inflation holes to enclose the gas within said chambers of said inflated bags.
    [0011]
    11. Method for making inflatable bags (16) characterized by the fact that it comprises: a. providing an inflatable web (18), said web comprising two sheets having internal surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers (26, 26') having a closed distal end (28a) and an end open proximal end (28b), said open proximal end (28b) providing an inflation hole (30) for each of said chambers, said chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of said web, wherein said inflatable weft (18) includes a longitudinal inflation edge (57) and an opposite closed longitudinal edge (59); said inflation holes of said chambers are positioned in series along said inflation edge (57); and said distal ends of said chambers are positioned in series along the closed edge (59); B. folding said web along its longitudinal dimension to form a longitudinal fold therein (36, 36') to thereby configure said web in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) joined at said longitudinal fold (36, 36' ), wherein said longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said inflatable web (18) is offset so that said inflating edge (57) is displaced from said closed edge (59); and c. produce a series of transverse seals (40) that connect the panels (38a) together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches (16) between pairs of the transverse seals (40) so that the connected series of inflatable pouches (16) extends along the longitudinal dimension of said web, whereby the pockets can be inflated via said inflation holes.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further includes the steps of: a. introducing gas into said inflatable chambers (26, 26') via the inflation holes, thus inflating the juxtaposed panels (38a) so as to form inflated pockets; and b. sealing said inflation holes to enclose the gas within said inflated bladder chambers; whereby the inflatable bags (16) are converted into inflated bags.
    [0013]
    13. Supply of inflatable bags characterized by the fact that it comprises: a. an inflatable web (18), said web comprising two sheets having inner surfaces sealed together in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers (26, 26') having a closed distal end (28a) and an open proximal end ( 28b), said open proximal end (28b) providing an inflation hole (30) for each of said chambers, said chambers disposed in an orientation substantially transverse to a longitudinal dimension of said weft, wherein: said inflatable weft (18) includes a longitudinal inflation edge (57) and an opposite closed longitudinal edge (59); said inflation holes of said chambers are positioned in series along said inflation edge (57); and said distal ends of said chambers are positioned in series along said closed edge (59); B. a longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said web which extends along its longitudinal dimension so that said web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a) joined at said longitudinal fold (36, 36') wherein said longitudinal fold (36, 36') in said inflatable web (18) is offset so that said inflating edge (57) is displaced from said closed edge (59); and c. a series of transverse seals (40) connecting said panels (38a) to each other to form a connected series of inflatable pouches (16) between pairs of transverse seals (40) such that the connected series of inflatable pouches (16) extends along the longitudinal dimension of said web, whereby the pockets can be inflated via the inflation holes.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2014253782A1|2015-11-05|
    JP2016520449A|2016-07-14|
    MX355116B|2018-04-06|
    CN105451982B|2018-05-08|
    CA2909120C|2018-05-22|
    WO2014172628A2|2014-10-23|
    MX2015014506A|2016-02-19|
    US20180126679A1|2018-05-10|
    US20140314978A1|2014-10-23|
    JP6337094B2|2018-06-06|
    WO2014172628A3|2015-01-22|
    AU2014253782B2|2018-11-15|
    BR112015026237A2|2017-07-25|
    CN105451982A|2016-03-30|
    US10786960B2|2020-09-29|
    US9969136B2|2018-05-15|
    CA2909120A1|2014-10-23|
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    法律状态:
    2018-03-27| B15K| Others concerning applications: alteration of classification|Ipc: B31D 5/00 (2017.01) |
    2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-26| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-02| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-18| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 18/04/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/866,080|2013-04-19|
    US13/866,080|US9969136B2|2013-04-19|2013-04-19|Inflatable pouches|
    PCT/US2014/034640|WO2014172628A2|2013-04-19|2014-04-18|Inflatable pouches|
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